Kansas City businesses tell committee regulation and reporting consume time and capital

Small‑business owners at a Kansas City roundtable urged lawmakers to address regulatory complexity that they say raises operating costs and slows growth.

Eric Bergrude of the Greater Kansas City Chamber said businesses face overlapping rules from multiple levels of government that make it hard to open or scale operations. “There’s state complexity, there’s city and county complexity,” Bergrude said, arguing the federal committee can act as a convener to help find multi‑tier solutions.

Contractors and manufacturers described administrative burdens: Jeff Martin said prevailing‑wage and reporting obligations require specialized staff and add cost; David Goodson of Impact Sign noted divergent municipal sign codes and fire‑safety requirements can impede storefront remodels. “Every community has a different sign ordinance,” Goodson said.

Some panelists asked regulators to adopt a compliance‑first approach — warnings and technical assistance before fines for non‑serious violations — coupled with clearer, industry‑aware guidance so businesses can focus on operations rather than paperwork.

There were no votes or formal regulatory decisions at the meeting. Committee members said they would continue to collect examples from businesses to inform oversight and possible legislative or administrative follow‑up.